Wednesday, August 31, 2011

September the 1st is officially Spring Day here in the Southern Hemisphere. I'll ignore the fact that it's actually cold and raining at the moment and honour the occassion by showing you some pictures of fabulous brights.

I usually tend towards neutrals in decorating, so this is a step out of my comfort zone! But a departure from the norm makes things more interesting, doesn't it? I usually associate bright colours with more modern and contemporary furnishings and decor, but these images I found have mostly traditional French style furniture. I am amazed at how beautifully they go with bright fabrics, objects and art.

Why, when we live in an era of so many modern conveniences... everything can be done with the touch of a button... we seem to have so much less leisure time than previous generations? Or is it that our supposed leisure time has lost its value. In other words things that should be for pleasure likes cooking, exercise, gardening or walking the dog, become chores that have to be done.

But it's not only about things that have to be done, it's also about things that we want to do. Things that feed our souls or satisfy our creative urges. I have files full of recipes I would like to try out, blogs to read, a head full decorating ideas that I want to implement, blogs to read, languages to learn, paintings that I want to paint, places that I would like to visit and, did I mention, blogs to read. The list is endless.

What I would really like to do is stop the clock for a while. Maybe once a month or so, the universe could just throw in a little bonus day or two. So that we can all catch up or even get ahead (imagine that!)

Sunday, August 21, 2011

My mother gave me this Queen Anne chair below about 15 years ago. It was upholstered in a tapestry fabric which, at the time, I thought was a bit frumpy. I daringly decided to have it reupholstered in this script fabric. My mother politely didn't say anything but I think she thought I had ruined the chair. Nowadays you see script fabric everywhere. I was clearly way ahead of my time! LOL.

15 years on and I still love the fabric.

There wasn't a lot of choice then. Now you can find it in every style and colour.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Because I really appreciate you reading my humble blog, I am going to reward you with pictures of another lovely home. This one is situated in Cape Town's southern suburbs. I have been lucky enough to visit this home in person and it is every bit as beautiful as the pictures portray.

The interiors are very understated and the colour palette is mostly white, cream and pale grey. The house just oozes serenity and the gardens are so romantic and inviting.

Notice the screed floor with inlaid pebbles.

French doors and windows abound and interior shutters are used instead of curtains.

There are seating areas on both ends of the long open plan room with a dining area between them.

A 14 seater dining table. When it's not being used for large gatherings, it would be perfect for kids homework and projects.

The kitchen is across the wide passageway from the living area and is a big, open and uncluttered space. I love these polished screed floors.

Another living room to the right of the front door sports a touch of red. All the living areas are casually and comfortably furnished.

The patio overlooks the garden and tennis court.

The main bedroom leads through to a dressing room and lovely, spacious bathroom.

All the bedrooms are simply furnished and the bedlinen is all white cotton percale.

About Me

I am married with four sons. We live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. Interior decorating and design has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am also an incurable Francophile, enjoy good food and fine wine (actually any wine is fine with me) and generally living well.